Collection: I.M. Pei's Air Traffic Control Towers

The Legacy of I.M. Pei's Air Traffic Control Tower Design

In the early 1960s, renowned architect I.M. Pei was commissioned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to design a standardized air traffic control tower (ATCT) that could be adapted for various airports across the United States. This initiative stemmed from a 1962 congressional mandate directing the FAA to create "the most contemporary, state-of-the-art control tower which could be repeated across the country as a permanent symbol of air security."

Key Features of Pei's Design:

• Slender Concrete Tower: The design included a slender concrete structure with non-reflective glazing on the prefabricated cab at the top.

• Variable Heights: Towers ranged in height from 60 to 120 feet, with a 150-foot prototype at O'Hare International Airport.

• Standardized Elements: Adaptable features suited different airport sizes and traffic volumes.

• Pentagonal Control Room: The cab featured a pentagonal plan to minimize internal reflections, with sloped walls to reduce glare.

• Two Cab Sizes: Designed to accommodate varying air traffic volumes.

Construction and Adaptability:

The towers were constructed using reinforced concrete, allowing flexibility in height and foundation types (spread footings or piles). This approach enabled the FAA to maintain consistent reinforcement regardless of tower height.

Impact and Legacy:

Though Pei's contract originally called for 70 towers, only 16 were constructed before the FAA opted for a more cost-effective design. Despite the limited number built, Pei's towers marked a significant shift in ATCT design, moving from ad hoc constructions to a more standardized approach. Many of these towers remain in use today, serving as iconic examples of mid-century modernist architecture in aviation infrastructure.

Explore our collection of meticulously crafted 3D-printed models inspired by these historic designs and bring a piece of aviation history to your collection.